As Singapore strives to be a more inclusive society, much has been done to ensure children with intellectual disabilities are given appropriate education and early intervention. As these children become young adults, the higher-functioning ones are being identified and given proper vocational training and support for open employment. Unfortunately, very few facilities and openings are in store for the many who fall through the cracks and are unable to hold a job in the open market. Many in the latter years of their adulthood are kept at home with their aged parents as their only companions.

Mamre Oaks aims to reach out to this population which seems to be hidden and neglected. We aim to serve adults aged 18 and above with moderate intellectual disabilities and are currently not engaged in any services provided by MINDS, APSN, Metta and other existing VWOs.

Our success story

Alison is one of the special members at our centre, She is the eldest child of her parents. She was with MINDS from age five to 18, after which she had to leave. She was deemed not suitable for sheltered workshops or open employment and there was no service suitable for her until she enrolled in Mamre Oaks. Before coming to Mamre Oaks, her mother had to bring her from activity to activity to keep her occupied. Her mother could not go to work as she needed to look after Alison. At the centre, Alison initially depended a lot on her best friend to do things for her, like bringing her to the toilet and feeding her. After six months at the centre, Alison has improved tremendously and is able to feed herself and use the toilet independently. Her mother also found a job to supplement the family income.

Mamre Oaks aims to serve:• All adults with intellectual disabilities currently not attending special school / sheltered workshop / day activities centre / open employment.• Aged 18 years and above.• Independent in mobility and daily living skills, for example, in toileting, feeding and personal grooming. (Female trainees need to be able to manage their menstruation)• No habits of leaving without permission or running away.• No tendencies towards aggressive or destructive behavior.​• The member must be in remission if they suffer from any mental illness.• Members need to be able to travel independently. If he/she is unable to travel independently, parents/guardian are to arrange transport arrangement.

The centre is open to all who are suitable regardless of race and religion.